Personalizing Proposals Without Researching for 20 Minutes
Writing a personalized proposal is an essential part of winning freelance jobs. However, researching for every job post to personalize your proposal can take up a significant chunk of your time. What if you could gather enough context from a job post in just 5 minutes and craft a highly personalized proposal? This article will guide you on how to do exactly that.
Understand the Job Post
1. Read the Job Post Thoroughly
The job post is your main resource. It contains all the information you need to understand your potential client’s needs and expectations. Pay attention to the project description, required skills, budget, and deadline.
Example: A job post on Upwork might read, "Looking for a graphic designer to create a logo for my coffee shop. Budget is $200, and I need it in a week." From this, you can gather that the client needs a logo design for a coffee shop, has a budget of $200, and a one-week deadline.
2. Highlight the Keywords
Identify the keywords in the job post. These can be the required skills, type of project, or even the tone in which the post is written. Use these keywords in your proposal to show that you have read and understood the job post.
Example: From the previous job post, the keywords might be "graphic designer," "logo," "coffee shop," "budget is $200," and "need it in a week."
Do a Quick Research
1. Research the Client
A quick look at the client's profile on the platform can give you an idea of their preferences. Look at their previously posted jobs, the freelancers they hired, and their reviews.
Example: On Freelancer.com, you might find that the same client has previously hired graphic designers who have a minimalist design style.
2. Understand the Industry
If the client's industry is unfamiliar to you, do a quick Google search. Understand the basic trends and requirements of the industry.
Example: For the coffee shop logo, a quick search might reveal that modern, minimalist logos are trending in the coffee shop industry.
Craft your Personalized Proposal
1. Address the Client's Needs
Using the information gathered, address the client's needs directly in your proposal. Show them that you understand their project and can deliver what they need.
Example: "I understand that you need a modern, minimalist logo for your coffee shop, delivered within a week, within your budget of $200."
2. Showcase Relevant Skills
Highlight your skills that are relevant to the job post. If possible, provide examples of your past work that align with the client's needs.
Example: "As a graphic designer specializing in minimalist designs, I've created logos for several coffee shops. Please find attached examples of my work."
3. Use the Client's Language
Imitate the tone and language used in the job post. If the client's post is formal, keep your proposal formal. If it's casual, adopt a relaxed tone.
Example: If the job post was written in a friendly, informal tone, you might start your proposal with "Hi there! I love designing logos, especially for coffee shops!"
Mini Summary
Crafting personalized proposals doesn't have to involve lengthy research. By understanding the job post, doing a quick research, and tailoring your response to the client's needs, you can write highly personalized proposals in just 5 minutes. These tips can be a game-changer in your freelancing career, helping you win more jobs on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer.com, and Fiverr. And remember, tools like our AI-powered proposal generator can speed up this process even more, providing you with tailored proposal templates to help you stand out.